Maureen and I were delighted to be invited as guests of The Very Reverend Andrew Nunn, Dean of Southwark, for Christmas drinks at the Deanery. The Deanery is a spectacular house right on the Thames, very close to the Tate Modern, with spectacular views over the river.

All the guests were warmly welcomed with wine and canapés and encouraged to look around the beautiful house and take in the views from the upstairs rooms. It was quite amazing to see St Paul's Cathedral directly opposite and all the other wonderful buildings that make the City of London such a special place.

We met and talked with a number of very interesting guests, both from the local areas and from further afield. It was very interesting to hear different people's links with the Cathedral and how they interact with the Archdiocese.

The Dean gave a short speech about the work of the Cathedral and future plans for the restoration of certain parts, but he emphasised that tonight was not about fund raising, it was about thanking all those who have been supportive of the Cathedral in the past.

Maureen and I were very pleased to enjoy yet another very interesting and joyful evening.